NEWS - Government Mandates

BC LogoPremier John Horgan has issued letters of expectation to the heads of the government ministries. There is mention of reducing ICBC rates, but no direct instruction on improving road safety. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says that the ministry's responsibilities, which includes highway construction, maintenance and operations are central to safety.

Snow Removal Equipment

Snow Plow TruckKnowing how to behave around snow removal equipment when you encounter it on the highway is important for both your safety and that of the equipment operator. These trucks must operate at optimum speeds to remove snow, drop sand and salt or apply brine. A bit of patience is required if this optimum is not what you consider appropriate for you.

Q&A - Turning Right & Blocking Traffic

Q&A ImageQ: I run into this issue constantly; where drivers leaving a shopping center parking lot think it's OK to make a right hand turn while traffic has backed up at a red light, but only complete that turn half way thereby blocking the ability of those using the right hand turning lane at the next intersection (starts right after the exit from the parking lot) to use that lane.

Following Too Closely

image of a car following too closelyAsk a lawyer who specializes in collision litigation and they will tell you that the most frequent collision type they deal with is a rear end crash. Common causes of rear end collisions include driver inattention or distraction, following too closely, panic stops, and reduced traction due to wet weather or worn pavement.

The Role of Law Enforcement in Supporting Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety: An Idea Book

Ticket WriterThe Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has released an idea book for law enforcement personnel to assist them in supporting pedestrian and bicycle safety. It is a collection of case studies from around the US that shares programs and practices implemented in communities and explains their impact.

READING - Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways

Traffic ConesThe Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has released the 2020 version of the Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways. This is essentially an 815 page textbook outlining fundamental principles and guidelines for traffic management and traffic control in work zones. The goal is to ensure the protection of workers and the safe and efficient movement of road users through the work zone.

ICBC - Soon to be the Only Game in Town?

ICBC LogoBelair Direct, the auto insurance arm of Intact Insurance has announced that it will stop selling auto policies in BC effective December 1, 2020 and renewing policies on January 1, 2021. They see ICBC’s recent regulatory changes and the province’s current auto insurance market conditions as having reduced opportunities for the private sector to compete.

VISION ZERO - Surrey 2019 Year in Review

Vision Zero CanadaThe City of Surrey has released a year in review report for 2019 detailing it's accomplishments in meeting Vision Zero commitments. The City’s goal is an achievable and measurable shorter-term target: to reverse the trend of rising injuries and deaths on Surrey’s roads and achieve a minimum 15% reduction in injury collisions over the next five years (2019-2023).

Dear RoadSafetyBC

BC LogoGather a group of traffic enforcement officers for coffee and doughnuts at Tim Hortons and we'll sit and swap stories about what we have seen and shake our heads in amazement. Sometimes it's an attempt to avoid PTSD and others it's because we genuinely can't believe that someone would behave this way. I think I might have heard one that will be almost impossible to top this past weekend.